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Posted on Fri, Aug 14, 2009 : 7:11 p.m.

Time for the 10-year paint job at Washtenaw Dairy

By Julie Wiernik

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Customers keep coming to the Washtenaw Dairy because it's traditional, it's comfortable and the ice cream cones are big. So Jim Smith, co-owner, says he's not about to mess with one of Ann Arbor's favorite fixtures.

But every 10 years or so, the place needs a paint job. This decade's new decor is tan paint on the exterior walls, set off by just-the-right-red on doors and windows. On Friday, in the mid-day sun, Smith and employee Rick Wyniemko were applying the new look.

Since it was established in 1934, says Smith, the Washtenaw Dairy has worn several shades —including mustard, purple, silver and white. Otherwise, not much has changed at the Old West Side gathering spot for conversation, coffee, donuts and ice cream.

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Photos by Julie Wiernik 1. A young customer enjoys every bit of her ice cream cone at the Washtenaw Dairy. 2. Jim Smith, co-owner, takes time out from painting to talk to customers.

Julie Wiernik is part of the Community Team at AnnArbor.com. You can reach her by calling 734.358.2809 or e-mailing juliewiernik@annarbor.com.

Comments

Madeleine Borthwick

Fri, Aug 10, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.

I like the color(heck, I like everything about this place). it reminds me of the color of their coffee ice cream which is especially good as a sundae with hot fudge. yummmm.

NUSER

Wed, Oct 21, 2009 : 3:02 p.m.

we love to drive our antique car to "The Dairy" most evenings in the summer and fall. It's a great destination and a fun place to visit and have a treat.

Mumbambu, Esq.

Wed, Aug 19, 2009 : 12:17 p.m.

I miss the mustard color.

Jennifer Shikes Haines

Sun, Aug 16, 2009 : 7:59 a.m.

I love Washtenaw Dairy - especially the donuts! They are a very rare pleasure, but I'm not sure anything beats a warm coconut with a good cup of coffee and a Sunday paper.